Famvir
(famciclovir)
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Treats viral infections.
Skip Upsides & Downsides section. Skip to side effects section.
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Our bottom line
Famvir (famciclovir) is a first choice medication for controlling the symptoms of viral infections like herpes, chickenpox, and shingles.
Quick facts about Famvir
- Drug class: Infection
- Rx status:
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (famciclovir)
Upsides
- Famvir (famciclovir) has very few interactions with other drugs.
- Famvir (famciclovir) is available in generic form.
- Famvir (famciclovir) can be taken less frequently than other antiviral medications.
- Taking Famvir (famciclovir) within 1 hour of developing cold sores can speed up healing times by about 2 days.
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What to expect from Famvir, on one page
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Downsides
- Famvir (famciclovir) is not a cure and will only control the symptoms of an outbreak.
- Taking Famvir (famciclovir) for genital herpes doesn't prevent you from transmitting the virus to others.
- The dose of Famvir (famciclovir) needs to be adjusted if you have kidney damage.
- It is unknown how Famvir (famciclovir) works for people younger than 18 years old.
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What to expect from Famvir, on one page
Download Fact SheetHow it works
Famvir (famciclovir) is an antiviral medication that stops the virus from multiplying by preventing key steps in forming viral DNA.
Quick facts about Famvir
- Drug class: Infection
- Rx status:
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (famciclovir)
Used for
- Herpes zoster (Shingles)
- Treatment and suppression of recurrent genital herpes
- Treatment of recurrent herpes labialis (cold sores)
Dosage forms
- Pill
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Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.Prices and coupons for 21 (500mg) tablets of famciclovir near
Pay as low as$15.68Retail priceRetail priceLearn more- Get free coupon
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See more prices and coupons in your areaWhat to expect when you take Famvir (famciclovir) for Herpes infection
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Headache
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
Side effect rates for Famvir (famciclovir)
From 521 clinical trials of Famvir when taken for genital herpes suppression
- Headache40%40%43%43%
- Diarrhea9%9%10%10%
- Abdominal pain8%8%8%8%
- Abnormal menstrual bleeding8%8%6%6%
- Nausea7%7%10%10%
- Flatulence5%5%2%2%
- Fatigue5%5%3%3%
- Migraine3%3%
- Vomiting3%3%2%2%
- Rash3%3%2%2%
- Itching2%2%
0%
10%
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30%
40%
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80%
Where we got our data »
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Famvir.
Famvir (famciclovir)
Placebo
People taking Famvir felt side effect more
People taking Famvir felt side effect less
No difference
Risks and Warnings for Famvir (famciclovir)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › History of kidney damage
Use Famvir (famciclovir) with caution if you have kidney disease. Your doctor will provide an appropriate dose of Famvir (famciclovir) based on your kidney function tests. You may develop further kidney damage if the dose is too high.
Common concerns from people taking Famvir (famciclovir)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?Interactions
- Famvir (famciclovir) has very few interactions with other drugs.
Kidneys and liver
- Use Famvir (famciclovir) with caution if you have kidney disease. Your doctor will provide an appropriate dose of Famvir (famciclovir) based on your kidney function tests. You may develop further kidney damage if the dose is too high.
- The dose of Famvir (famciclovir) needs to be adjusted if you have kidney damage.
Pain
- Taking Famvir (famciclovir) within 1 hour of developing cold sores can speed up healing times by about 2 days.